Amazon to launch tablet computer soon

Online retail giant Amazon.com is all set to unveil a tablet computer by October, says a report. "Amazon plans to release a tablet computer by October," The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a source.

The tablet will have a roughly nine-inch screen and will run on Google's Android operating system. The device will allow customers to watch videos, read electronic books and listen to digital music they purchase or rent from the online retailer, the report noted.

The device apparently would not have a camera. It would not be designed by Amazon. Instead, both the design and manufacturing would be outsourced, it said.

Meanwhile, the report said that Amazon is working on another device that they are designing themselves. However, that will not be ready until next year.

Amazon's tablet device will be in competition with Apple's iPad and Sony Corp's tablets. Sony will launch prototypes of a tablet and a wallet-shaped dual-screen portable device that will offer movies, apps, music, books and PlayStation games later this year.

According to the publication, an Amazon.com spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.